Why is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner necessary?

The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act indicates the Minister is responsible for providing information and assistance respecting fair registration practices and related matters to regulated professions and organizations that deal with internationally educated immigrants, including community organizations, post secondary institutions, trade organizations and government departments.

How will the Office help Manitoba?

The Office will work to ensure internationally educated immigrants have access to assessment and registration practices that result in more effective pathways to employment. This means qualified immigrants will be able to practice their professions and use their experience and expertise to help boost our economy.

What does the Office do?

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner implements The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act. The Act ensures regulators use registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.

What does the Fairness Commissioner do?

The Fairness Commissioner:

Provides regulators with information and advice concerning requirements of the Act

Reviews registration practices of regulators for compliance with the Act

Makes recommendations and works directly with regulators to improve pathways to registration for immigrants trying to establish their careers in Manitoba

Reports to the Minister of Labour and Immigration

Does the Fairness Commissioner deal with immigrants’ complaints?

No. The Act explicitly prohibits the Fairness Commissioner from doing so. The Fairness Commissioner’s role is to bring about positive change to assessment and registration practices in Manitoba to ensure internationally educated immigrants are treated fairly.

What does internationally educated mean?

Internationally educated refers to a person who has been educated in a country other than Canada to practice a regulated profession.

What is a regulator?

A regulator is an association or government body responsible for the governance of a profession. The regulator sets standards of practice and qualifications. It assesses an individual’s education and experience, and must grant them a license before they can legally practice their profession.

Which regulated professions are subject to the Act?

Today, The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act applies to only these 30 regulated professions in Manitoba:

Health Professions

College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba

College of Dietitians of Manitoba

College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba

College of Midwives of Manitoba

College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba

College of Pharmacists of Manitoba

College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba

College of Podiatrists of Manitoba

College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba

Manitoba Association of Optometrists

The College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba

The Denturists Association

The Manitoba Association of Registered Respiratory Therapists

The Manitoba Chiropractors Association

The Manitoba Dental Association

The Manitoba Naturopathic Association

The Opticians of Manitoba

The Psychological Association of Manitoba

Other Professions

Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors

Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba Inc.

Chartered Professional Accountants Manitoba

Engineers and Geoscientists Manitoba

Manitoba College of Social Workers

Manitoba Institute of Agrologists

Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association

The Manitoba Association of Architects

The Law Society of Manitoba

Is a college a regulatory body?

When we think of a college, we often think of a post-secondary institution. Some regulators call themselves colleges, but they are not post-secondary institutions.

Is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner part of the Manitoba government?

Yes. The Office is part of Manitoba Education and Training. Our connection to all Manitoba government departments ensures comprehensive service delivery.

Does the Office benefit professionals who are educated in Canada?

Yes. The Office ensures registration practices are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for all Manitobans.